1. Tell me about yourself:
The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short
statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound
rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise.
Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to
the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest
back and work up to the present.
2. Why did you leave your last job?
Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major
problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers
or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep
smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an
opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking
reasons.
3. What experience do you have in this field?
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for.
If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.
4. Do you consider yourself successful?
You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good
explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are
on track to achieve the others.
5. What do co-workers say about you?
Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific
statement or a paraphrase will work. Jill Clark, a co-worker at Smith
Company, always said I was the hardest workers she had ever known. It
is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview herself.
6. What do you know about this organization?
This question is one reason to do some research on the organization
before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are
going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?
7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide
variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement.
Have some good ones handy to mention.
8. Are you applying for other jobs?
Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus
on this job and what you can do for this organization. Anything else is
a distraction.
9. Why do you want to work for this organization?
This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the
research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely
important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term
career goals.
10. Do you know anyone who works for us?
Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This
can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not
relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought
of.
11. What kind of salary do you need?
A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if
you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like,
That’s a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position?
In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not,
say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide
range.
12. Are you a team player?
You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready.
Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather
than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag,
just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.
13. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I’d like
it to be a long time. Or As long as we both feel I’m doing a good job.
14. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you
like to fire people. At the same time, you will do it when it is the
right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the
individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the
organization. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in
force.
15. What is your philosophy towards work?
The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here.
Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That’s the
type of answer that works best here. Short and positive, showing a
benefit to the organization.
16. If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?
Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type
of work you prefer. Do not say yes if you do not mean it.
17. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?
If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying
negative things about the people or organization involved.
18. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization
You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to
highlight your best points as they relate to the position being
discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.
19. Why should we hire you?
Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not
mention any other candidates to make a comparison.
20. Tell me about a suggestion you have made
Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted
and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work
applied for is a real plus.
21. What irritates you about co-workers?
This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with
anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get
along with folks is great.
22. What is your greatest strength?
Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples:
Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability
to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your
professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude
23. Tell me about your dream job.
Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you
are contending for is it, you strain credibility. If you say another
job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with
this position if hired. The best is to stay genetic and say something
like: A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and
can’t wait to get to work.
24. Why do you think you would do well at this job?
Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.
25. What are you looking for in a job?
See answer # 23
26. What kind of person would you refuse to work with?
Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization,
violence or lawbreaking to get you to object. Minor objections will
label you as a whiner.
27. What is more important to you: the money or the work?
Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is
no better answer.
28. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?
There are numerous good possibilities:
Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise,
Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver
29. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor
Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of
your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former
boss, you may well below the interview right there. Stay positive and
develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.
30. What has disappointed you about a job?
Don’t get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include:
Not enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction Company did
not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility.
31. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.
You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an
example that relates to the type of position applied for.
32. Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?
Probably this one. Do not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want
another job more than this one.
33. What motivates you to do your best on the job?
This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are:
Challenge, Achievement, Recognition
34. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?
This is up to you. Be totally honest.
35. How would you know you were successful on this job?
Several ways are good measures:
You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes are a
success.Your boss tell you that you are successful
36. Would you be willing to relocate if required?
You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if
you think there is a chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get
the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems
later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself
future grief.
37. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead ofyour own?
This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about
the deep ethical and philosophical implications. Just say yes.
38. Describe your management style.
Try to avoid labels. Some of the more common labels, like progressive,
salesman or consensus, can have several meanings or descriptions
depending on which management expert you listen to. The situational
style is safe, because it says you will manage according to the
situation, instead of one size fits all.
39. What have you learned from mistakes on the job?
Here you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. Make
it small, well intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. An
example would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a project and
thus throwing coordination off.
40. Do you have any blind spots?
Trick question. If you know about blind spots, they are no longer blind
spots. Do not reveal any personal areas of concern here. Let them do
their own discovery on your bad points. Do not hand it to them.
41. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have.
42. Do you think you are overqualified for this position?
Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well
qualified for the position.
43. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?
First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about,
bring that up: Then, point out (if true) that you are a hard working
quick learner.
44. What qualities do you look for in a boss?
Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of
humor, fair, loyal to subordinates and holder of high standards. All
bosses think they have these traits.
45. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute betweenothers.
Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique
and not the dispute you settled.
46. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?
Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out.
47. Describe your work ethic.
Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to
get the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good.
48. What has been your biggest professional disappointment?
Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. Show
acceptance and no negative feelings.
49. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.
Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization.
50. Do you have any questions for me?
Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? and What type of projects will I be able to assist on? are
examples.

Mahindra forays into aerospace, to make planes, acquires 2 Oz cos

Marking its foray into the aerospace segment, Mahindra group on Tuesday said it plans to manufacture aircraft in the two-to-twenty-seater range and also announced acquiring majority stake in two Australian companies.
Mahindra Aerospace Pvt Ltd (MAPL), belonging to Mahindra group, plans to invest Rs 175-crore over the next 4-5-years to manufacture 475 aircraft in the two-to-twenty-seater range and expects a peak turnover of Rs 650 crore from the segment.
The Anand Mahindra-led conglomerate also announced the acquisition of two Australian companies--Aerostaff Australia and Gippsland Aeronautics.
Mahindra will hold a 75.1 per cent stake in each company, Systech Sector and Member of the Group Management Board, M&M, Hemant Luthra, told reporters here.
A plant is being set up in Bangalore to complement these acquisitions and provide dual shoring and benefits to customers, he added.

Tata launches Sumo Grande Mark II

Tata Motors has launched an updated version of the Sumo called the Grande MKII. Based on feedback coming in from various channels, a number of changes have been made. Aspects like the suspension, steering and brakes have been worked upon to iron out some of the problems that were present on the earlier Grande. Also, Tata says that the final drive ratio has been worked upon to provide better acceleration.

The interiors receive a significant update with a new duo-tone trim, new steering wheel, grab handle for the third row passengers and various little changes along with improved ergonomics.

As for the exteriors, the Grande MKII get a new chrome grill, indicators on the wing mirrors, new steel rims and three new colours.

Volkswagen working on car ‘below Polo' for India

German auto major Volkswagen (VW) has said that it needs a car below the soon-to-be launched Polo for the Indian market, and is looking at different options.

Dr Jochem Heizmann, member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, with responsibility of group production, said, “It is clear we need a car below the Polo and are looking at different options and working on it. That maybe the Up, or another car.”

He was speaking after the Maharashtra Chief Minister, Mr Ashok Chavan, formally started production at VW's Chakan facility, and the first locally made Polo rolled off the assembly line.

Referring to VW acquiring a stake in Suzuki, Dr Heizmann said, “This is a long-term strategic partnership. Suzuki is strong in India and Japan and strong in very small cars in the lower priced segment.”

VW is strong in Europe and South America where Suzuki is weak, and one of the areas of co-operation will be developing hybrid and electric cars, he added.

Currently, around 40 units per day of the Skoda Fabia are manufactured at the Chakan unit. VW also plans to launch a saloon car on a platform different from the Polo by the second half of 2010. With current local content at 50 per cent, The company has chalked out a plan to increase the local content to 80 per cent over the next two-three years from 50 per cent now.

Mr Jorg Mueller, President and Managing Director, VW India Pvt Ltd, said VW products will be sold through 35-40 independent dealerships.

The vehicle will be launched commercially at the Auto Expo at New Delhi in January.

With the other two group brands, Skoda and Audi, the company is targeting 8-10 per cent market share in the next four-six years.

Speaking about the positioning, Dr Heizmann said VW is the Group's premium brand while Audi caters to the luxury segment.

Volkswagen aims for a tenth of India market in 4-6 years

Volkswagen AG, which recently took a stake in Suzuki Motor Corp to step up its presence in India, said it aims to grab 8-10 percent of

The German automaker on Saturday launched production of its Polo hatchback, which had its European debut earlier this year, in its plant in western India. It said it sees the need for a smaller car in the Indian market.

"We know that we need a car below the level of the Polo," said Jochem Heizmann, a member of the board of Volkswagen. "We are working towards this but no decision has been made yet."

Volkswagen and Suzuki Motor plan to develop a new small car that would cost between $4,300 and $5,400 for the Indian market, following their recent tie-up, a newspaper reported this week.

Volkswagen will buy a one-fifth stake in Suzuki Motor for $2.5 billion, tapping the Japanese firm's expertise in small cars and dominance in India as VW seeks to become the No.1 automaker, the companies said earlier in the week.

Volkswagen is looking at various opportunities for synergies with Suzuki, Heizmann said, declining to give details. He added the firm could consider bringing to India the cheapest car on its table, Up, which is priced at about $8,800.

Jindal Steel & Power Bids for Zimbabwe Iron & Steel

Jindal Steel & Power Ltd., India’s second-biggest steelmaker by value, has bid for a majority stake in Zimbabwe Iron & Steel Co. as part of an overseas expansion program, Jindal Steel Director Sushil Maroo said.

The company is also looking for coal mines in the African nation and aims to tap steel demand in the region, Maroo said today in an interview in New Delhi, without giving more details. A group led by Jindal Steel has been short-listed as one of two bidders for state-owned Ziscosteel, Dow Jones had reported on Nov. 10, citing an unidentified person familiar with the matter.

Zimbabwe’s government said in its national budget in June it plans to seek a partner for Ziscosteel to help expand the company, improve plant efficiency and pay debts. The company, the largest integrated steelmaker in sub-Saharan Africa after ArcelorMittal South Africa Ltd., stopped operations last year following the global recession, the report said.

Zimbabwe, which owns 89 percent of Ziscosteel, aims to sell a 60 percent stake in the company, the report said. The South African unit of ArcleorMittal, the world’s largest steelmaker, is the other bidder, it said.

Shares of Jindal Steel, which plans to raise as much as 100 billion rupees ($2.1 billion) in its power-generation unit Jindal Power, rose 2.1 percent to 744.85 rupees at the close of trading in Mumbai. The stock has gained almost five-fold this year, compared with a 77 percent gain the Bombay Stock Exchange’s benchmark Sensitive Index.

Kerala to invest Rs 2000 cr for developing facilities at IT parks

Kerala Government proposes to invest Rs 2000 crore in the next two years for development of infrastructure at IT parks being

Stating that Kerala government has an investor friendly approach, Achutanandan said IT industry, which experienced a slowdown in the last 12 to 18 months, has started showing signs of recovery.

He was speaking after inaugurating the India IT Summit-2009, organised by CII-Southern region. CII-Southern Region Chairman C R Swaminathan said the summit was an initiative to support Kerala government to promote the state as one of the most favourable destinations for IT in India.

"Kerala has a very conducive environment for the growth of IT," he said.